All servicing will be carried out on site for liferafts, lifejackets, fire extinguishers, inflatable boats, EPIRBS and more, while staff will also be on hand to provide advice and support to charter specialists on issues such as Code of Practice compliance, Class XII and servicing schedules.

"By investing in this extension in our infrastructure we can provide an unprecedented level of service to our existing trade customers and demonstrate our capabilities to potential new clients, " said sales director Dave Evans.

The Port Glasgow site will also make distribution quick and easy around the northern half of the UK, he added. "Given the recent tightening of the regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials we see this as a major advantage over our competitors."

Setting up the new office and warehouse will be Eleanor McGillivray, who started her career at RC Murray, with a short spell at Turner & Hickman, part of Denholm Ship Management. For the past 10 years she has worked at marine safety specialist Viking AS in a customer advisory and office management role.

"Ocean Safety operates with a much larger product base than previous companies that I have worked with, " said McGillivray, "and this new role gives access to both the commercial and leisure sectors.

It's a very exciting opportunity."